About
蛮 is a phono-semantic compound whose structure differs between traditional and simplified scripts. The traditional form 蠻 pairs the insect radical 虫 (chóng) as the semantic element with 䜌 (luán) as the phonetic. The simplified 蛮 keeps 虫 but swaps the upper part for 亦 (yì). Historically, the term was applied by the central states as a generalized, often derogatory label for non-Han ethnic groups in the south, linking them to the wilderness. Its meaning expanded to cover rough, fierce, or uncouth behavior, and in modern colloquial use it commonly functions as an adverb meaning "quite" or "very".
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
这个苹果蛮甜的。
他做事蛮认真的。
今天的天气蛮不错的。
这个地方离市中心蛮远的。
她对这个建议蛮感兴趣的。
用蛮力解决不了所有问题。
古代中原人称南方部族为南蛮。
他那种蛮不讲理的态度让人无法沟通。
Report an issue
Flag incorrect definitions, examples, etymology, etc.